Exercise is essential for maintaining physical fitness and activity levels. This benefit extends to children and adolescents, as regular physical activity significantly contributes to their overall health. A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights that exercise may offer additional advantages, specifically in enhancing IQ among young individuals.

Throughout childhood and adolescence, physical activity is crucial for both physical and cognitive development. The research indicated an average increase of 4 points in IQ scores among those who integrated exercise into their daily routines.

Javier S. Morales, the corresponding author and a Ramón y Cajal Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Almería, as well as co-director of Fissac, remarked, “Our interest in this topic stems from the growing body of evidence, including previous work on the link between physical activity and cognitive development in youth. By exploring the potential of exercise as a tool to enhance intelligence, we aimed to shed light on a practical and accessible strategy to support children’s development.”

Key findings of the study:

The research involved 3,203 participants across 14 randomized controlled trials. The focus was on general intelligence, typically assessed through IQ, along with two significant subdomains: fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. Fluid intelligence pertains to the capacity to solve new problems without relying on previous knowledge, encompassing skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and reasoning. In contrast, crystallized intelligence involves the accumulation of knowledge, skills, and experiences over time, influencing vocabulary, factual knowledge, and other learned abilities. While fluid intelligence peaks in early adulthood, crystallized intelligence continues to develop throughout life.

Exercise and intelligence:

The research highlighted the substantial impact of physical activity on enhancing overall intelligence. Notably, the beneficial effects of exercise were evident across various demographic groups, including children with both average and below-average IQ scores. Exercise had a pronounced effect on fluid intelligence, while its influence on crystallized intelligence was more restricted. However, for children facing obesity, the study noted considerable improvements. Additionally, further insights can be found in related studies that suggest walking can enhance cognitive function.

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